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Temporary rezoning for bus terminal

City council has approved the temporary rezoning of property on Trunk Road to permit the operations of Greyhound Canada to operate there. The temporary zoning will allow the bus depot to operate with a condition that no bus will be allowed within 180 feet of the existing nearest property. Greyhound Canada has relocated their operations to the existing Howard Johnson hotel building at 503 Trunk Road. The former site on Brock Street, which had served as their terminal for a number of years, was too small for the efficient operation, a report to council said. Greyhound Canada has been utilizing a vacant portion of the hotel for a ticket kiosk and waiting lounge but the property has not been zoned to permit that usage, council was told. The rezoning application has been submitted by the property owner, Sam Kassan, on behalf of Greyhound Canada to legalize the usage. City planning staff report that Trunk Road is considered a connecting highway and given Greyhound Canada’s role as a transportation provider, the proposed used is consistent with the city’s Official Plan. It also fills vacant commercial space within an existing building, something encouraged by good planning principles. Planning staff say the operation will occur on the frontage of the site, which has ample room for parking, bus queuing and provides appropriate access and egress for bus movements. City staff recommended that warehousing at the site not be permitted on the site. It was also agreed that in the event of an emergency road closure, the bus could park in the lot at the west side, ensuring it is at least 180 feet away from the rear of the existing nearest residence. The temporary status came at the 11th hour after city staff learned that some homeowners in the area were concerned with the potential for increased noise and traffic in the neighbourhood. At least one homeowner on Arizona Avenue spoke against the rezoning application, arguing that customers at the hotel often access Silverbirch Avenue directly from the hotel property, something that was not suppose to happen. “I say don’t approve this until they do something about vehicles travelling through there and disrupting the neighbourhood,” the area resident said. Another area resident, Vivian Cote, of Silverbirch Drive, said she is not against the application but suggests that the property owner put up a fence between the hotel property and Silverbirch, will allowances made for a foot path to allow area residents access to area buses.” “I think that would improve the situation a lot,” she said. Other neighbours suggested green buffering, fencing and security cameras to protect area neighbourhood. It will be up to the property owner to determine whether to erect a fence at the rear of the property.

Later, city council passed another motion asking the property owners or Greyhound Canada to consider putting up a fence between the hotel property and its rear property line.